You’ve got big plans for 2026, but what you do this year can really make the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one. If you’re aiming to sell next spring—the busiest time in real estate—the best move is to start getting ready now. As Realtor.com points out:

““If you’re aiming to sell in 2026, now is the time to start preparing, especially if you want to maximize the spring market’s higher buyer activity.” 
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— Realtor.com

The truth is, whether it's fixing little things, doing some touch-ups, or tidying up, the sooner you begin, the smoother things will go when you're ready to put your home on the market. Plus, your house will look its best when it's time to sell.

Why Starting Now Matters

Ask any reliable agent, and they’ll agree—you just can’t afford to skip repairs in today's market. There are more homes for sale now than in years, so buyers have plenty of options. To make sure your house grabs attention and stands out, it’s important that it looks its best.

You don’t need to do a complete renovation, but it’s a good idea to take care of a few projects before you put your house on the market. When your home is properly prepped, it’ll sell much faster. Plus, getting these things done ahead of time means you won’t be rushing to finish everything at the last minute in the spring.

Here’s the benefit you get by starting this year: you can spread out your upgrades and repairs at your own pace. That means more time, less stress, and no feeling like you’re racing against the clock.

If you’re thinking about fixing that leaky faucet, repainting your front door, or replacing your roof, now’s the perfect time to get started. You’ll have plenty of time to find reliable contractors without stretching your budget or paying extra for last-minute work.

Get an Agent’s Advice Early

If you want to know what’s really worth your time and money in your market, it’s best to chat with a local agent early on. They can help you avoid spending on things that won’t improve your financial outcome. As Realtor.com points out:

““Respondents overwhelmingly agree that both buyers and sellers enjoy a smoother, more successful experience when they start early. In fact, a recent survey reveals that, for sellers, bringing a real estate agent into the process sooner can pay off significantly.”
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— Realtor.com

“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”

— Quote Source

A skilled agent can help you understand:

• What buyers in your area are actually looking for right now

• Which repairs or updates are worth tackling before you list

• How to decide which projects to focus on if you can’t do everything

• Trusted local pros who can help get your home market-ready

Knowing that information right from the start makes all the difference.

To give you a general sense of what might come up in that conversation, here are the most common updates agents are suggesting these days, based on research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

Keep in mind, what updates are really worth it depends on the other homes you're up against in your area. In some neighborhoods, where there aren't many homes for sale, just small improvements might be enough. But in places with lots of listings, you’ll probably need to put in a little extra effort to help your home stand out.

Your agent will guide you step-by-step through what’s needed for your particular home and local market. That kind of expertise makes a real difference.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling in 2026, now’s the perfect time to start getting things ready. Spending some time prepping your home now will help you jump into the market feeling confident and prepared — and give you a leg up on those sellers who wait until January to begin.

Curious about which projects are bringing in the highest returns in our market? Let’s get in touch so you can enter next spring with a strong strategy in place.